Deputies: Man used 7-month-old son as shield in escape attempt

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ESTACADA, Ore. – A burglary suspect tried to use his 7-month-old son as a shield to avoid being arrested on Saturday, Clackamas County sheriff’s deputies said.

It didn’t work. Deputies arrested Raleigh Reynolds after they chased him to a house where he barricaded himself inside. Reynolds tried to get away several times, but retreated back into the house because he was surrounded, deputies said.

Reynolds' mother and the baby's grandmother, Karen Founds, told KATU her son made a bad choice.

"As Raleigh came out of the house, he picked up the baby to bring him out. They were screaming at him to put him on the ground," Founds said.

Reynolds was holding his son in front of him and used the child as a shield, deputies said.

"He was just standing there, telling us he didn't want to leave the baby in the house, despite the situation," said Deputy Daniel Moyer. "I believe he was using the infant as a shield."

Deputies eventually negotiated the baby’s release and arrested Reynolds. The baby was not hurt. He lives with Founds at her home, she said.

Deputies took Reynolds to the Clackamas County Jail. He faces charges including burglary, endangering welfare of a minor and resisting arrest.

"He's a sweet, loving young man who's made some bad choices in life," said Founds. "That doesn't make him a bad person."